A NASA-led study has found that certain Earth microbes could survive in the Moon’s south pole shadows, where temperatures drop as low as -200°C and ultraviolet radiation is minimal. The research, published in Science Advances, highlights the potential for microbial contamination during human lunar exploration. Scientists used elevation maps and temperature data from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter to simulate conditions in candidate landing zones for the Artemis III mission. The study identified survivable niches
where microbes like Aspergillus niger and Staphylococcus aureus could remain dormant for at least 24 hours, with some species potentially enduring up to a week.
Earth Microbes May Survive in Lunar South Pole’s Perpetual Shadows
Key Microbes and Their Resilience
The research tested five common spaceflight microbes, including human skin bacteria and fungi. Aspergillus niger, a fungus known for its thick cell walls and DNA repair capabilities, was the most resilient, surviving in shaded lunar regions for over a week. Other tested microbes included Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Deinococcus radiodurans, and several Fusarium species. These organisms have previously been found on the International Space Station and in space missions. While the microbes cannot thrive in lunar conditions, their persistence raises concerns about contamination risks for future scientific studies.
Implications for Lunar and Martian Exploration
The findings underscore the need for stringent decontamination protocols as human presence on the Moon expands. When we go to Mars to search for signs of life beyond our planet, we will want to make sure it's not stuff we brought,
said Prabal Saxena, a NASA Goddard planetary scientist leading the study. The research also highlights the challenges of distinguishing Earth-origin contaminants from native lunar materials. Heather Graham, an organic chemist at NASA Goddard, noted that even dormant microbes could alter chemical measurements of lunar soil, complicating efforts to study the Moon’s natural chemistry or search for ancient organic compounds.
Topographic Modeling and Future Missions
Scientists combined topographic data from the Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter with simulations of sunlight distribution to identify shaded regions where microbes might survive. Stefano Bertone, a University of Maryland researcher, emphasized that lunar craters and slopes create extensive shadows
critical for microbial refuge. The study’s insights will inform decontamination strategies for the Artemis IV mission, scheduled for 2028. Researchers warn that the Moon’s harsh environment is less extreme than Mars, where microbial survival risks would be higher. The better we get at clean exploration on the moon, the much better position we’ll be in on a place like Mars,
Graham said.
Broader Scientific and Ethical Considerations
The study adds to ongoing efforts to understand microbial survival in extreme environments. While the Moon lacks the conditions for microbial growth, its shadows offer temporary refuge. This raises ethical questions about preserving lunar ecosystems and ensuring scientific integrity. NASA’s Artemis program aims to establish a permanent lunar base at the south pole, where contamination risks must be carefully managed. As human exploration of the Moon and Mars accelerates, the findings serve as a critical reminder of the unintended biological impacts of space travel.
